Bloodshot: Reborn #9 Discussion

[DirtbagSailor]

My published review (spoiler free of course).

http://all-comic.com/2015/bloodshot-reborn-9/

[grendeljd]

Crazy good week of new releases!

If anyone would like to hear our OTV:VCR podcast discussing/reviewing this issue (& Dr. Mirage: Second Lives #1, and RAI #12), please follow the link;

http://onlythevaliant.com/episodes/vcr46/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks to any who listen in

[jmatt]

My initial reaction is that I'm satisfied with the resolution. The overall feel of the title has definitely shifted with Lemire. It's less of an action book now and more of a story title, if that makes any sense. And I kind of like that.

The climax was soft, I was half expecting to see Toby transform into Rampage with the two squaring off for a lot of mano a mano combat. But it fit the story and overall tenor of the arc well.

Bloodshot Island sounds like it will be a little more heavy on the action.

[hunter_peterson]

I thought this wrapped up the arc quite well. This would make a decent Bloodshot movie, if they wanted to do a "depowered" story with him for one. It was a nice thriller. I look forward to exploring other genres now, with post-apocalyptic next.

All of this is making me more and more curious about Bloodshot Island, and I love Festival being set up as almost his federal Commissioner Gordon. Magic as his anchor to reality works very well, too. The setup after this is a nice one for more Bloodshot stories, I think.

[leonmallett]

A fitting end in terms of tone, and art and writing meshed well for the whole. The book looked well designed in terms of colours and line art. That said, Lemire appeared to be trying to have his cake and eat it so to speak, due to wanting to present the shock of how Toby is dispatched as a threat and then basically undoing that beat a few pages later. That made it seem like they were going for the shock moment, and justified it with some exposition before rolling back and resetting, thus allowing Ray/Bloodshot to both do, and not do, something very unsettling. Basically a get out of jail card for what was set up as a pretty horrific act.

However, more problematic for me, nine issues to get to this point at the end of the issue makes me reflect that I don't feel there has been much meat on the bones of Bloodshot Reborn to be honest, and I think that was underlined by Ray/Bloodshot not following through on exploring his history. So in the issue two times Lemire dodged the hard choice which weakens the story-telling to me. Dangling the thread of Ray/Bloodshot's past and not pulling on it seemed like a cheap option to be frank, but I guess mileage will vary.

[Brapbrap]

this was a great ending to the arc but the bit where he drives away from the garrison house was tacked on and BAD

[agent_graves]

I feel like #1-9 was just one big arc, that should of ended with a bang, but seemed to just fizzle out. I'm still on board of course, I think this next arc with Larosa, (Analog Man) and the subsequent arcs that follow (Bloodshot Island & VS) will be where Lemire (with help from the movie hype) really takes this character to that next level.

[leonmallett]

I feel like #1-9 was just one big arc, that should of ended with a bang, but seemed to just fizzle out. I'm still on board of course, I think this next arc with Larosa, (Analog Man) and the subsequent arcs that follow (Bloodshot Island & VS) will be where Lemire (with help from the movie hype) really takes this character to that next level.

This kind of sums up some of the problems I have with the reborn iteration; the 9 issues so far didn't really do a great deal when I think of where the character was pre The Valiant, and seems to have trod the same ground a few times (especially the number of infected people). More importantly, it took 9 issues to get Bloodshot back to being Bloodshot and ultimately not knowing much about his past. So the entire forward movement of the character is to add the annoying (to this reader) Bloodsquirt, and change 'doesn't know about his past' to 'chooses not know about his past'. 9 issues to do that seems a stretch way beyond what was necessary.

I have liked the addition of the cops, Festival in particular. But to have sacrificed (in The Valiant) the story-telling options inherent with the promising Kay in order to get Bloodshot to a point where ultimately not much is really that different than before, just seems wasteful story-telling to me.

The prospective movie should not need to be a driver to taking the character 'to the next level', that should be happening based on the work being created. The problem for me is that Lemire did less, or at least no more, in 9 issues than I felt Duane Swierczynski managed in his first 8, despite being freed up to follow his own pitch.

I don't think the book is terrible, but I do think there is such a thing as a story progressing too slowly relative to its content and major beats, and as one extended 9-parter, that is what I feel has happened.

[omega_override]

However, more problematic for me, nine issues to get to this point at the end of the issue makes me reflect that I don't feel there has been much meat on the bones of Bloodshot Reborn to be honest, and I think that was underlined by Ray/Bloodshot not following through on exploring his history. So in the issue two times Lemire dodged the hard choice which weakens the story-telling to me. Dangling the thread of Ray/Bloodshot's past and not pulling on it seemed like a cheap option to be frank, but I guess mileage will vary.

I had the exact same issue. After all the build up to "who really is Ray Garrison?", to only have the rug pulled out from under us was a pretty disappointing ruse. I have a feeling that the Analog Man arc might go into it in more detail, but I'm not holding my breath. At least we'll get to see how Rai and Father were created hopefully

[Stringer]

I won't even sugarcoat it, that was a terrible, and I reiterate for good measure, terrible ending to the whole arc.

We have been endlessly teased for months about the content of Ray's secret files. I for one was very excited to learn more about the man he was before Rising Spirit experimented on him and turned him into a killing machine. I wouldn't have mind it as much if Lemire didn’t make those files such a center piece of Ray's quest to redefine himself as a person. To fully take ownership of his past and present, and using all that knowledge to make an astute decision on his future.

For me the conclusion was lazy and felt like a cop out especially after all that build up... but that's just me.

[CongoBill]

I agree with most of the sentiment here. Overall I enjoyed Lemire's slow-burn almost noir approach to a character that has always been known as the big action/violence character in the VEI universe. But the ending was a bit (just a bit!) of a letdown. I just didn't feel the payoff was there. It's not terrible but, as others have said, I didn't feel the character's progression or growth was properly executed over the course of these issues. I mean, Ray did change, going from a hopeless soul drinking himself into oblivion to somebody who is comfortable with who he is and seems to have found some happiness, at least for now.

And while I was also frustrated at not getting to see what was in Ray's files, then again, does it really matter? So maybe we find out he was a soldier with a family, or a regular guy picked off the streets, or whatever. Not sure that would have made the payoff that much better. But it was also weird to just discard it. I do like Festival being established as a series regular and look forward to seeing more of her in the future, especially if she's working with Bloodshot. And Bloodshot Island sounds promising, I guess. For now we get to move into the future with the next story arc, and I am looking forward to that. I'm still on board with the title for sure.

[BugsySig]

I thought this first 9 issues really served as a jump on board point for Bloodshot. It reset the character all around while not ignoring what has come before it. Overall the story was solid, though it could have been told in one arc (maybe 5 issues) instead of 9.

[Dallow Spicer1]

I thought this first 9 issues really served as a jump on board point for Bloodshot. It reset the character all around while not ignoring what has come before it. Overall the story was solid, though it could have been told in one arc (maybe 5 issues) instead of 9.

+1

I'm enjoying Lemire's run and I think he's put the character on a path to success in the long term.

Was a bit confused by the very last panel but looking at the previous comments it seems he was at the gates of the Garrison house? So presumably either Magic told him about if or he looked in the file?

Really looking forward to the next arc....and Bloodshot island!!!

Very good story and art 4/5

[jmatt]

Was a bit confused by the very last panel but looking at the previous comments it seems he was at the gates of the Garrison house? So presumably either Magic told him about if or he looked in the file?

Yeah, there was a panel showing the Garrison nameplate on the door. But that's a good point, how does he know his name is Ray Garrison? I'm sure it was touched on somewhere in the arc, I just don't recall when.

It doesn't bother me much that he didn't read the file or go up and knock. I mean, once that mystery is revealed it's kind of over and done. I'd rather see the truth teased out in a future arc where more than just his curiosity is satisfied, some kind of scenario where his identity is crucial to the resolution of the story. "Ray, don't! She's your mother!" Or sumpn.

And Magic (I hate that name) read the file, so all is not lost.

[Dallow Spicer1]

Was a bit confused by the very last panel but looking at the previous comments it seems he was at the gates of the Garrison house? So presumably either Magic told him about if or he looked in the file?

Yeah, there was a panel showing the Garrison nameplate on the door. But that's a good point, how does he know his name is Ray Garrison? I'm sure it was touched on somewhere in the arc, I just don't recall when.

It doesn't bother me much that he didn't read the file or go up and knock. I mean, once that mystery is revealed it's kind of over and done. I'd rather see the truth teased out in a future arc where more than just his curiosity is satisfied, some kind of scenario where his identity is crucial to the resolution of the story. "Ray, don't! She's your mother!" Or sumpn.

And Magic (I hate that name) read the file, so all is not lost.

Agreed! Far too soon for the mystery to be revealed.

[jeremycoe]

Was a bit confused by the very last panel but looking at the previous comments it seems he was at the gates of the Garrison house? So presumably either Magic told him about if or he looked in the file?

I think she directed him where to go, but not necessarily more than that. That being said, he probably now knows he's a Garrison.

[BugsySig]

Was a bit confused by the very last panel but looking at the previous comments it seems he was at the gates of the Garrison house? So presumably either Magic told him about if or he looked in the file?

Yeah, there was a panel showing the Garrison nameplate on the door. But that's a good point, how does he know his name is Ray Garrison? I'm sure it was touched on somewhere in the arc, I just don't recall when.

It doesn't bother me much that he didn't read the file or go up and knock. I mean, once that mystery is revealed it's kind of over and done. I'd rather see the truth teased out in a future arc where more than just his curiosity is satisfied, some kind of scenario where his identity is crucial to the resolution of the story. "Ray, don't! She's your mother!" Or sumpn.

And Magic (I hate that name) read the file, so all is not lost.

He knows because thats what Kay told him before she died. Now we just know the file confirmed that.

[Dallow Spicer1]

Was a bit confused by the very last panel but looking at the previous comments it seems he was at the gates of the Garrison house? So presumably either Magic told him about if or he looked in the file?

Yeah, there was a panel showing the Garrison nameplate on the door. But that's a good point, how does he know his name is Ray Garrison? I'm sure it was touched on somewhere in the arc, I just don't recall when.

It doesn't bother me much that he didn't read the file or go up and knock. I mean, once that mystery is revealed it's kind of over and done. I'd rather see the truth teased out in a future arc where more than just his curiosity is satisfied, some kind of scenario where his identity is crucial to the resolution of the story. "Ray, don't! She's your mother!" Or sumpn.

And Magic (I hate that name) read the file, so all is not lost.

He knows because thats what Kay told him before she died. Now we just know the file confirmed that.

But who told him about the Garrison house...Magic as Jmatt said?

[BugsySig]

Was a bit confused by the very last panel but looking at the previous comments it seems he was at the gates of the Garrison house? So presumably either Magic told him about if or he looked in the file?

Yeah, there was a panel showing the Garrison nameplate on the door. But that's a good point, how does he know his name is Ray Garrison? I'm sure it was touched on somewhere in the arc, I just don't recall when.

It doesn't bother me much that he didn't read the file or go up and knock. I mean, once that mystery is revealed it's kind of over and done. I'd rather see the truth teased out in a future arc where more than just his curiosity is satisfied, some kind of scenario where his identity is crucial to the resolution of the story. "Ray, don't! She's your mother!" Or sumpn.

And Magic (I hate that name) read the file, so all is not lost.

He knows because thats what Kay told him before she died. Now we just know the file confirmed that.

But who told him about the Garrison house...Magic as Jmatt said?

I was assuming it was in the file. She said he had her lead him this far, or something to that effect.

[jmatt]

He knows because thats what Kay told him before she died. Now we just know the file confirmed that.

Yes, that's it. I had forgotten. The Valiant.

[Captain Craig]

I felt it a bit cowardly for Ray to burn that folder of his past. The folder that Kozol from Rising Spirit hung over his head for so long. The folder he'd pull out, lay on the bed and snort coccaine cause he wasn't sure he could handle the truth. To burn it and drive off essentially stating he knows who he is is childish immaturity frankly.
I feel either A)Lemire didn't know how to fill those blanks or B)was told not to by VEI higher-ups for fill-in the blank reasons

The only reason to keep Magic around now is due to her being the only person Ray would now trust, as would the audience, to tell us details of that folder about his past. Wouldn't all find any explanation by Kozol a bit suspect cause you can never tell about that guys motives.

I also really don't like that Kay, as Geomancer, was sacrificed so unceremoniously as her death didn't serve any real purpose in this relaunch. She would've been a much better companion to Ray, better guide, partner. The parallels of two people with gifts really getting comfortable with said gifts.
Look, I don't hate Magic but she's always going to be the likely 'damsel in distress' and that's been done once already in these 9 issues.

I get the Reborn tagline but I continue to stress this should just be something like Bloodshot #34. Reborn should've been an arc. Cause now that he's Reborn it's JUST Bloodshot!!

[jeremycoe]

I get the Reborn tagline but I continue to stress this should just be something like Bloodshot #34. Reborn should've been an arc. Cause now that he's Reborn it's JUST Bloodshot!!

Why not Bloodshot #101?

[jeremycoe]

I actually do think it could be a cool idea to do special #100 issues when the respective series reach that milestone including VH1/VH2/VEI. We've already passed X-O and Bloodshot's 100th issues using that line of thinking. I think they could print a special "100th Issue Overall" badge and put it on the cover, or something similar, and not mess with the actual numbering.

[Brapbrap]

Was a bit confused by the very last panel but looking at the previous comments it seems he was at the gates of the Garrison house? So presumably either Magic told him about if or he looked in the file?

Yeah, there was a panel showing the Garrison nameplate on the door. But that's a good point, how does he know his name is Ray Garrison? I'm sure it was touched on somewhere in the arc, I just don't recall when.

It doesn't bother me much that he didn't read the file or go up and knock. I mean, once that mystery is revealed it's kind of over and done. I'd rather see the truth teased out in a future arc where more than just his curiosity is satisfied, some kind of scenario where his identity is crucial to the resolution of the story. "Ray, don't! She's your mother!" Or sumpn.

And Magic (I hate that name) read the file, so all is not lost.

He knows because thats what Kay told him before she died. Now we just know the file confirmed that.

no he told Kay that his name was Ray Garrison

he thinks it is ray garrison because that is the name PRS used both in their nanite hallucinations and when they talked to him on his missions

[jmatt]

he thinks it is ray garrison because that is the name PRS used both in their nanite hallucinations and when they talked to him on his missions

Thaaaat's it.